La Jolla Playhouse presents The Monsters
June 2-28, 2028
Mandell Weiss Forum
West Coast-Premiere Play
Written by Ngozi Anyanwu
Directed by Tamilla Woodard
Co-produced with Berkeley Repertory Theatre
“Anyanwu’s language reaches for the stars within the darkness."—The New York Times
Lil is obsessed with Mixed Martial Arts. She is exhilarated by the art, strength and beauty of fighting, mainly because her older brother Big is a successful (if aging) figure in the local MMA circuit. No one inspires her more, even though they haven’t seen each other in years. She’s kept her distance… until the day she finally shows up on his doorstep.
“Ngozi Anyanwu dramatizes with equal parts heartbreak and humor” (NPR) and in her searing new play, she explores sibling bonds, reunions and the fight to build a life you can be proud of. Tamilla Woodard is noted for directing warm-blooded productions that “lead with their heart.” (The New York Times)
Through the propulsive lens of Mixed Martial Arts, Big and Lil’s story fuses the poetry of words and symphony of movement into a stylish, gritty and action-charged love story between estranged siblings.
